In previous years, many people who visited Colombia as tourists came for the nightlife of Medellin or the picturesque beaches. However, there’s a new kid on the tourism block: glamping in Medellin. This is a glamorous version of camping, where guests can connect with nature while still enjoying the luxury and comfort of a top-tier vacation destination. Glamping started gaining popularity in Colombia since before 2018, and grew rapidly over the next few years. However, like so many other industries, it took a heavy hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers of guests dropped, restrictions made travel impossible for many, and supply chain issues meant that glamping sites had a hard time providing basic amenities.
At the same time, the pandemic influenced the way people planned their vacations, and this worked to the advantage of the glamping industry in Colombia. People’s habits and preferences changed; they had a new appreciation for “green” businesses, and a renewed passion for spending time out of doors. They also had a newfound care for the environment in general, and prioritized businesses that did the same.
For some glamping businesses, the pandemic wasn’t the worst problem they encountered in the last few years; it was a national strike that took place in late 2020 and early 2021. Even though they’d survived lockdowns and travel bans, the strike brought them closer to shutting down than ever before. The issues during the pandemic had included fewer guests and supplies that were sometimes hard to find; with the strike, essential supplies and services became impossible to obtain in some cases. This didn’t happen for all glamping businesses, but it happened to enough of them to cause concern in the industry.
These days, however, the outlook is massively improved. Not only are lockdowns and travel restrictions a thing of the past, but there aren’t currently any nationwide strikes that are affecting national and local supply chains. International travelers are coming to Colombia in droves, and many glamping sites are attracting bird watchers, photographers, wellness tourists, and others.
Special features of glamping in Colombia
Colombia is known as the land of “magical realism”, where legends intertwine with mythical landscapes. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists, whether they mainly stick to cities, or whether they spend most of their time in the great outdoors. Where does glamping fit into the picture? It provides all the comforts of home for those who don’t want to completely abandon civilization, and it offers a connection to nature for those who want to soak it all in.
Glamping also usually offers privacy and solitude, which is hard to get when you’re staying in a hotel in the middle of a city. The domes, pods, teepees, treehouses, or other accommodations tend to be spaced far enough apart to give each guest their own space. Some glamping sites have private bathroom facilities for each guest, and it’s common for personal firepits, decks, or hammocks to be included as well.
What really makes glamping in Colombia so special are probably the landscapes. Glamping sites around the world offer all kinds of ritzy amenities, but only Colombia has its uniquely beautiful scenery. Take glamping in Guatape, for instance. This small town is located near Medellin, and has multiple glamping sites right on the edge of Guatape Lake. The lake was artificially created by flooding the valley a few decades ago, and is now a hotspot for tourism watersports. With clear blue water and countless archipelagos, it has an otherworldly look that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. And this isn’t the only unique glamping hotspot in Colombia; you can find others that are just as gorgeous in their own special way.
Why do people love glamping near Medellin?
There are many advantages to glamping; most people specifically love the proximity to nature, the convenience, and the gorgeous surroundings. These are the main reasons why glamping in Colombia is so popular.
- You can pamper yourself with special amenities
Many glamping sites in Colombia cater to people who want to relax and recharge, and they have the amenities to prove it. These include things like massage therapists, private or shared hot tubs, heated pools, mud baths, and more. There could be dedicated chefs that prepare special meals every night, cocktails each evening, grills or campfires at each glamp-site, hammocks, and so on – whatever makes guests feel pampered.
- You don’t have to bring camping equipment
Part of what defines the camping experience is the fact that you have to set up your own campsite with whatever you bring. This usually includes a tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and other bulky items. With glamping, everything is already in place – just bring your own food and drinks, and you’re good to go. You’ll probably even have electricity and WiFi, so there’s no need to worry about your phone dying before the trip is over.
- You can reconnect with nature
If you’re a habitual city-dweller, reconnecting with nature can provide a much-needed change of pace. That being said, there’s no need to leave every bit of civilization behind; after all, it’s possible to get too much nature in one vacation. Glamping offers the perfect balance between the two. You can drink in the natural beauty of your surroundings, without having to leave your favorite creature comforts behind.
- You can combine glamping with other activities
Glamping sites in Colombia are usually within easy driving distance of larger towns. You can visit these places to pick up food and other supplies, or simply make them the next stage of your vacation. After all, glamping doesn’t have to be the sole focus of your trip to Colombia; you could book a few-day glamping trip for some peace and quiet, and then pick up the pace with a return to city life. For example, if you’re glamping anywhere in the Antioquia region, you could stay there for a few days, and then head to the city to join Medellin tours or explore the nightlife.
Whether you’re glamping in Colombia for just a few days, or for your entire trip, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
